Favorite aspects:
There is a lot to like about the Thule Capstone 40L Pack. To start it doesn’t come in sizes. Instead it has a MicroAdjust Suspension system that lets you adjust to your torso length for the best fit possible. Packs that come in sizes like S, M, and L don’t always cut it. The Capstone let’s you fully dial in. The Capstone also comes in a female version that has a hipbelt and harness system that is made specifically with a female in mind. When you are carrying a fully loaded pack you want to be as comfortable as possible. The last aspect of comfort that I liked is the mesh back panel. If you have ever spent any time hiking with a pack that doesn’t have back panels then you know how hot and sweaty your back gets. The last thing I want is a sweat drenched back while I’m sitting around enjoying camp after hiking.

I had this Capstone packed to the brim. We were given a packing list that was 4 pages long. Granted some of the items were optional so I didn’t bring everything on the list, but there was still a lot. The hipbelt pockets were impressive. I was able to fit more snacks into one then I have in many of my other bags. A GoPro and extra batteries for my headlamp easily fit in the second hipbelt pocket. Being that I wasn’t carrying a hydration bladder I was happy to have side pockets that were stretchy enough to fit my Nalgene water bottles. The pocket that was by far the most impressive to me was the front one. Stretch fabric on the top and center of the pocket really allowed me to quite literally shove a bunch of stuff in there. Hats, gloves, first aid supplies, notepads, I shoved them in.

This is the first year that Thule has put out technical backpacks, and they really nailed it on the head with the Capstone 40L. They even include a built in rain cover that I didn’t need to use, but is always a bonus in my book.